CITROEN C4 (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 69 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
62%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1587cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
62% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 20 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1587cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 20 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 22 years old, 62% of CITROEN C4s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 69 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,511 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
103,511
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 CITROEN C4 has 103,511 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 62%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
CITROEN C4 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 90% | 416 | 20,749 mi | |
| 2020 | 88% | 252 | 27,130 mi | |
| 2019 | 86% | 7,946 | 40,283 mi | |
| 2018 | 85% | 4,459 | 50,626 mi | |
| 2017 | 84% | 1,606 | 77,091 mi | |
| 2016 | 79% | 30,587 | 70,374 mi | |
| 2015 | 77% | 49,480 | 77,210 mi | |
| 2014 | 74% | 38,709 | 85,376 mi | |
| 2013 | 73% | 22,649 | 89,088 mi | |
| 2012 | 73% | 15,587 | 96,404 mi | |
| 2011 | 72% | 13,467 | 102,574 mi | |
| 2010 | 70% | 12,669 | 106,070 mi | |
| 2009 | 69% | 10,408 | 105,085 mi | |
| 2008 | 67% | 15,127 | 108,072 mi | |
| 2007 | 69% | 11,300 | 106,424 mi | |
| 2006 | 69% | 3,634 | 94,973 mi | |
| 2005 | 72% | 1,804 | 98,899 mi | |
| 2004 | 62% | 69 | 103,511 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 CITROEN C4
The 2004 CITROEN C4 is a small family car with a 1587cc petrol engine. 69 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 96% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 103,511 miles at 22 years old, CITROEN C4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 CITROEN C4 Fuel Costs
The 1587cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2004 CITROEN C4?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 62% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
CITROEN C4 Reliability Trend
Newer CITROEN C4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 CITROEN C4
At 22 years old, the CITROEN C4 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 69 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 CITROEN C4's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 104k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 62% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2004 CITROEN C4 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN C4(2004) | 62% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| FORD FOCUS(2006) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2006) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£290 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2006) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Citroen Models
Explore other Citroen cars or similar models in the same category.
CITROEN DS3
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CITROEN C3
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CITROEN C1
2016 · 998cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2006 · 1596cc Petrol
MINI MINI
2005 · 1598cc Petrol
BMW 3 SERIES
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